Irish bishop plans to take leave of absence

November 12, 2012

An Irish bishop has announced his plan to take a “sabbatical leave” for several months in 2013.

Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore told clergy members on November 12 that he wants to “spend time in prayer and study in the Holy Land.” The break, he said, would be “a period of spiritual and personal renewal.”

Bishop McAreavey said that he and his family had recently “experienced great sadness and tragedy.” He said that after consultations he had decided that a leave of absence would be warranted. He explained that he had spoken with the apostolic nuncio in Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown; the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, Cardinal Marc Ouellet; and the Primate of All Ireland, Sean Brady, about his plans. All, he said, had “given me their support and encouragement for my decision.”

Bishop McAreavey, who is 63, was named to head the Dromore diocese in 1999. He expressed confidence that after a leave beginning in February he would return to active duty in Dromore in September 2013.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop John McAreavey announces his intention to take a temporary break from administering the diocese of Dromore (Irish bishops' conference)